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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 9-15-25 Code Enforcement Board CITY OF CLERMONT CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD MINUTES September 15, 2025 CALL TO ORDER Chair Camps called the meeting of the Code Enforcement Board to order on Monday, September 15, 2025, at 6:00 pm. ROLL CALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Camps, Vice-Chair Fracasso, Member Makowski, Member Kilburn, Member Connelly, Member Cornett, and Member Fornoles. ALSO PRESENT: Code Enforcement Officers Cortez and Snodgrass; Code Enforcement Manager Wallace, Fire Inspector Amber Butler, Code Board Attorney Brackins, City Attorney Dyen, and Planning Coordinator Rae Chidlow, Development Services Director Curt Henschel. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF SILENCE Code Board Attorney Brackins swore in the new Members Kilburn. Connelly, and Cornett. MINUTES Motion to approve the Minutes as amended for the July 21, 2025, Code Enforcement Board Meeting:Moved by Member Fracasso: Seconded by Member Makowski. Motion passed 7-0 OPENING STATEMENT-Chair Camps made the opening remarks. SWEARING IN WITNESSES Code Enforcement Officers Wallace,Snodgrass,and Cortez,city staff,along with any of the public who may testify were sworn in. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Assistant City Attorney Dyen introduced the cases and stated that items will be heard in order. ITEM 1 —CASE NO.C2412-0006 Colonial Tiles &Pavers, LLC 1730 S. Highway 27 LOCATION OF VIOLATION: 1730 S. Highway 27 REQUEST: Reduction of Fine Code Enforcement Officer Snodgrass explained the case. He said the property owner has been sent proper notice and Representative is present. He stated the property is in compliance; and further, the fine has accrued to $27,750. Respondent is requesting a reduction of fine. He stated that staff recommendation is to reduce the fine to $5,550 to be paid within 30 days. Respondent was not present. Member Fracasso made a motion table to end ofineetina:seconded by Member Connelly Motion passed 7-0 in approval. Code Enforcement Board Meeting September 15, 2025 ITEM 2—CASE NO. C2501-0036 Lake Minneola Condominium Association West Osceola Street, AK 3891767 LOCATION OF VIOLATION: West Osceola Street, AK 3891767 REQUEST: Reduction of Fine Code Enforcement Officer Snodgrass explained the case. He said the property owner has been sent proper notice and Representative is present. He stated the property is in compliance; and further, the fine has accrued to $16,750. Respondent is requesting a reduction or waiver of fine. He stated that staff recommendation is to reduce the fine to $3,350 to be paid within 30 days. Colette Keno with Lake Minneola Condominium Association, explained that after receiving notice, the association diligently began the process of hiring an engineer, obtaining construction bids, and submitting plans for city permitting. She stated that they were given 45 days to come into compliance. She stated they encountered delays due to limited staffing in the city's fire department, which affected permit processing times. She emphasized that the condominium association,consisting of only ten-unit owners,has been part of the Clermont community for over 50 years without prior violations and has faced significant financial strain from hurricane related assessments. She assured the Board that all repairs have now been completed, permits approved, and the property is fully in compliance. She stated that they are asking for a waiver of the fine. Mr. Snodgrass confirmed the association's compliance, and council members acknowledged that such engineering and permitting delays can occur due to documentation and staffing issues. Member Connelly made a motion to waive the fine: seconded by Member Makowski. Motion passed 7-0 in approval. ITEM 3—CASE NO. C2506-0009 Southern Villas Lot Owners Assn., Inc. Vacant Lot on Villa Court, AK 3776058 LOCATION OF VIOLATION: Vacant Lot on Villa Court, AK 3776058 REQUEST: Reduction of Fine Code Enforcement Officer Cortez explained the case. He said the property owner has been sent proper notice and Representative is present. He stated the property is in compliance; and further, the fine has accrued to $6,500. Respondent is requesting a reduction or waiver of fine. He stated that staff recommendation is to reduce the fine to $500 to be paid within 30 days. Auston Pownall, 665 Villa Ct., treasurer of the Southern Villas Homeowners Association, explained the circumstances that led to the accumulation of daily fines for a code violation. He stated that the association's management company, Greystone Management, failed to properly communicate with both the city and the HOA, causing confusion and delays. He stated that initially, the HOA was told the issue involved was an un-mowed drainage ditch, which was promptly addressed and added to the landscaper's contract. However, the management company later mentioned a separate concern with the retention pond but did not disclose that fines of$500 per day had already begun accruing. He stated that the HOA only learned it was a formal code violation on July 10, shortly before their scheduled hearing. He emphasized that the board acted 2 Code Enforcement Board Meeting September 15, 2025 in good faith and was unaware of the severity of the issue, noting that the $6,500 fine poses a hardship to their largely elderly and fixed-income community. He thanked Officer Cortez for recommending a reduction and described steps taken to prevent future issues,including personally inspecting the property monthly, ensuring the area is included in the landscaping contract, and becoming the direct city contact for the association. He concluded with an apology to the city and a commitment to ensure Southern Villas remain compliant moving forward. He stated that they are asking for a waiver of fine. Member Makowski made a motion to waive the fine: seconded by Member Fracasso. Motion passed 7-0 in approval. ITEM 4—CASE NO.C2506-0012 Edward Emrick III Cluster Oak Drive LOCATION OF VIOLATION: Cluster Oak Drive REQUEST: Reduction of Fine Code Enforcement Officer Cortez explained the case. He said the property owner has been sent proper notice and Representative is present. He stated the property is in compliance; and further, the fine has accrued to $4,500. Respondent is requesting a reduction or waiver of fine. He stated that staff recommendation is to reduce the fine to $500 to be paid within 30 days. Edward Emerick IV, 3831 Breckinridge Lane, stated on behalf of Edward Emrick III that they are willing to accept staff's recommendation. Member Connell v made a motion to reduce the fine to $500: seconded by Member Makowski. Motion passed 7-0 in approval. NEW BUSINESS ITEM 5—CASE NO. 25-000008 Sunshine Properties, LLC 831 Oakley Seaver Dr., The Lofts at South Lake LOCATION OF VIOLATION: 831 Oakley Seaver Dr., The Lofts at South Lake VIOLATION: Fire Case NFPA Violations Code Enforcement Officer Cortez explained the above violations. He detailed the case summary stating the property is currently not in compliance. He gave the history, violations and dates, and exhibited pictures that are a true and accurate depiction of the property on the dates taken. He further stated the staff s recommendation which is to find Respondent in violation and to impose a fine of$250 per day for every day out of compliance after September 30, 2025, and continue every day until the property comes into compliance. Tiffany Welsted, Regional Manager for Sunshine Properties, and Coryn Ettinger, Property Manager for the Lofts at South Lake,explained that all items listed in the original inspection report had been corrected except for the fire doors, which are awaiting parts from a third-party vendor. She stated that all doors remain unlocked for resident safety. She confirmed that the electrical 3 Code Enforcement Board Meeting September 15, 2025 panel and fire alarm issues had been repaired, and a lightning strike followed by a second strike had complicated and delayed some of the repair efforts. She emphasized their commitment to safety and communication with city officials throughout the process. She reported that a previously unknown issue with the laundry chute was identified and repaired earlier that day. They estimated that the fire door repairs would be completed by the end of the month. Amber Butler, Fire Inspector, explained that inspections are conducted annually and typically allow 30 days for compliance,with additional extensions given before matters are referred to Code Enforcement. Member Fracasso made a motion to find the Respondent is in violation and to impose a_fine o� $250 per day for every day after October 15, 2025, if the Respondent does not comply with this order. The Respondent is ordered to contact the Code Enforcement Officer to arrant inspection of the property to verify compliance with the order: Seconded by Member Cornett. Motion passed 7-0 in approval. ITEM 6—CASE NO. C2412-0007 Reina Ortega 2434 View Ridge Way LOCATION OF VIOLATION: 2434 View Ridge Way VIOLATION: Section 123-74 Minimum Tree Requirements; Section 125-522 (a) Building Permit Required Code Enforcement Officer Snodgrass explained the above violations. He detailed the case summary stating the property is currently not in compliance. He gave the history, violations and dates, and exhibited pictures that are a true and accurate depiction of the property on the dates taken. He further stated the staff's recommendation which is to find Respondent in violation and to impose a fine of$150 per day for every day out of compliance after November 14, 2025, and continue every day until the property comes into compliance. Reina Ortega, 2434 View Ridge Way, explained that financial hardship had prevented her from promptly replacing palm trees that were removed from her property. She stated that her family's business had been struggling, making it difficult to afford new trees and delivery costs,but she is now actively working to purchase and plant replacements to restore the home's appearance. She explained that she had been prioritizing essential expenses and did not intend to ignore the violation. Member Fornoles made a motion to find the Respondent is in violation and to impose a fine o� $150 per day for every day after December 14, 2025, if Respondent does not comply with this order. The Respondent is ordered to contact the Code Enforcement Offlcer to arrange an inspection of the propeLty to veri& compliance with the order: Seconded by Member Fracasso. Motion passed 7-0 in approval. ITEM 7—CASE NO. C2505-0017 New Beginnings Central Florida, Inc. 268/270 East Ave. 4 Code Enforcement Board Meeting September 15, 2025 LOCATION OF VIOLATION: 268/270 East Ave. VIOLATION: IPMC 109.1.3 Structure unfit for human occupancy; 109.1.5 Hazardous structure or premises; 302.6 Exhaust vents; 304.13 Window, skylight, and door frames; 305.1 General interior; 305.3 Interior surfaces;403.5 Clothes dryer exhaust; 501.2 Plumbing; 504.1 Plumbing fixtures; 605.1 Electrical equipment; Section 18-53 (4)(6)Nuisances; Section 18-54 Nuisance by property owner declared unlawful Code Enforcement Officer Snodgrass explained the above violations. He detailed the case summary stating the property is currently not in compliance. He gave the history, violations and dates, and exhibited pictures that are a true and accurate depiction of the property on the dates taken. He further stated the staff's recommendation which is to find Respondent in violation and to impose a fine of$150 per day starting from day of violation, October 15, 2025, and continue every day until the property comes into compliance. Furthermore,to include the health, safety,and welfare tag. Nadine Kury, Infinite Helping Hands Center,detailed serious concerns about a property owned by New Beginnings, emphasizing that the organization knowingly placed tenants in a home that was already in severe disrepair and uninhabitable at the time of purchase. She stated that the property, consisting of lots 268 and 270, was owned outright by New Beginnings, which made the organization fully responsible for its condition. She stated that the repairs such as roofing, mold remediation, and structural work were allegedly performed without proper permits, licensed professionals, or compliance with Florida building codes. She stated the property deteriorated to the point of condemnation,yet families continued to be charged rent for living in unsafe conditions. She described how one tenant, who now faces an unlawful eviction without a court ordered eviction notice. She stated that Karin Kirklyn, a working mother with children,has been forced to move between hotels due to financial hardship, unable to afford new housing. She stated that a second tenant managed to relocate. She explained that New Beginnings typically places families in transitional housing and connects them to recovery or support programs, but in this case, the organization appears to have failed to meet basic housing and safety obligations. Karin Kirklyn emphasized that her situation had nothing to do with substance abuse or misconduct but resulted from tragic circumstances. She stated that she is grateful for the organization's intent to help, she explained that the home provided to her was severely deteriorated with collapsing ceilings,broken tiles, mold, and infestations. She repeatedly reported these unsafe conditions that were ignored for months. She was told not to pay rent while temporarily staying in a hotel due to the home's condition but is now facing eviction. She described the property as toxic, making her children ill, and stated that both she and the prior tenant had extensive documentation showing the same long-standing maintenance issues. Sharron DePonte,253 Cedar St.,explained that she stepped in to help Ms.Kirklyn and her children when New Beginnings didn't provide enough money for them to stay in a hotel. She brought the family to the extended-stay location, paying out of pocket when funds from the organization fell short. She expressed concern about the legitimacy of the property where Ms. Kirklyn had been living, stating that her research into city of Clermont code enforcement records from 2014 showed prior violations at the same address, including an unlawful structure and tampering with city utilities,with no permits ever pulled for necessary repairs or renovations. She further noted that 5 Code Enforcement Board Meeting September 15, 2025 the property, listed as 270, was never legally approved or permitted as a duplex, raising serious questions about whether it should have been rented as one in the first place. Board member Fracasso suggested shortening the compliance timeframe to 10 days. Member Kilburn made a motion to find the Respondent is in violation and to impose a fine o $150 per day for every day after September 25. 2025, i Respondent does not comply with this order. The Respondent is ordered to contact the Code Enforcement Officer to arrange an inspection of the property to veri compliance with the order. He further moves that the Board finds that this violation presents a serious threat to the public health, safety, and wel are and is further ordered that by copy of this order the City of Clermont be noti ied of said condition pursuant to Section 162.06 (4) and Section 162-09 (1) of Florida Statutes; Seconded by Member Fracasso. Motion passed 7-0 in approval. AJDOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:50 pm. Linda Camps, Chair Attest: 41— �"- V110 Rae Chidlow, Planning Coordinator 6